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Here are just a few of the common questions we’re asked.  Please don’t hesitate to contact us should your query not be answered below or in our Courses & Services information

 

First Aid

 

What does an employer have to do to comply with first aid at work regulations? 
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (H&SAWA 1974), the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (MHSAWA 1999) and specifically The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations (HSFAR 1981), an employer is required to:

  • Have completed a first-aid needs assessment;

  • Ensure that there is either an appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements or, if necessary, there are appropriate numbers of suitably trained first-aiders;

  • Ensure there are adequate facilities and a suitable stocked first-aid box;

  • Provide staff and customers with information about the first-aid arrangements.

 

How many First Aiders does an employer need to provide?

There are no hard and fast rules on exact numbers of first aiders needed and you will need to take into account all the relevant circumstances of your particular workplace and carry out a First-aid Needs Assessment which will help you decide how many first-aiders are required.

The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981 require you to provide adequate and appropriate first-aid equipment, facilities and people so your employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work. What is ‘adequate and appropriate’ will depend on the circumstances in your workplace and you should assess what your first-aid needs are.

The minimum first-aid provision on any work site is:

  • a suitably stocked first-aid box

  • an appointed person to take charge of first-aid arrangements

  • information for employees about first-aid arrangements

These arrangements will increase significantly where there are larger numbers of staff/public, there are increased risks such as work with machinery and/or chemicals, where the workplace is complicated (split site, multi-level etc.) or remotely located.

 

Need help to carry out a First Aid Needs Assessment?  Contact us now.

 

 

What first aid qualification does my First Aider need?

This will depend upon the results of your First Aid Needs Assessment.

The base qualification is the Emergency First Aid at Work qualification. This gives the holder the basic skills with which to assess a situation, call the emergency services and administer basic first aid and/or CPR. The course lasts for 6hrs (minimum) and the qualification lasts for 3 years.

The next level of qualification is the First Aid at Work Certificate. This gives the holder a much more comprehensive awareness and understanding of a wide range of illnesses and the knowledge and skills with which to respond. The course last for 18hrs (minimum) and this qualification also lasts for 3 years.

A comprehensive First Aids Needs Assessment will lead you to conclude if and/or how many of each of these qualifications your business requires.

 

Need First Aid Training?  Click here for our list of current courses or contact us now to discuss bespoke training for your staff.

 

 

Is annual First Aid Refresher training a mandatory requirement?
No. However, it is strongly recommended to employers to help qualified first aiders maintain and practice their basic skills and keep up to date with any changes in first-aid procedures. The HSE reduced the First Aid at Work qualification from 4 to 3 days in 2009 to make the annual refresher more manageable. Annual First Aid Update or Refresher courses (3hrs duration) have proved incredibly popular with good employers, it gives confidence to their first aiders and demonstrates a professional and robust approach to First Aid training and provision. Companies are also finding that it is much easier to retain first aiders when they are sure that they know what to do in an emergency.
 

What happens when the qualification expires?

Both first aid qualifications last for a 3 year period from the date that the award was completed. Once this date has passed, the award is no longer valid and the person holding it no longer qualified to deliver first aid.

 

How do I maintain a First Aid award?

In order to maintain either of the Fist Aid awards, the first aider should have completed an annual update (refresher) session at or around the one and two year anniversaries of the award.  Towards the end of the third year, in order to maintain the EFAW award, the holder MUST complete a new 6hr EFAW course. In order to maintain the FAW award, the holder MUST complete a 12hr FAW Refresher course.

 

What first-aid equipment should be provided?
Once an assessment of first-aid needs has been carried out, in addition to determining the number and type of First Aiders needed, the findings can be used to decide what first-aid equipment should be provided in the workplace. The minimum requirement is a suitably stocked first aid box. The assessment may indicate that additional materials and equipment are required such as scissors, adhesive tape, disposable aprons and individually wrapped, moist wipes. They may be put in the first-aid box or stored separately. For help and advice with your assessment please contact us

If mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, at least one litre of sterile water or sterile normal saline (0.9%) in sealed, disposable containers should be provided. When the seal has been broken, containers should not be reused. Containers should not be used beyond their expiry date.

Does an employer need to record incidents requiring the attention of a first-aider?
It is good practice to provide your first-aiders and appointed persons with a book in which to record incidents they attend. The information can help you identify accident trends and possible areas for improvement in the control of health and safety risks. It can be used for reference in future first-aid needs assessments. The record book is not the same as the statutory accident book though the two might be combined. Employers, self-employed people and those in control of premises also have a specific duty to report some accidents and incidents at work under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR).

What information should be recorded?
Useful information to record includes:

  • the date, time and place of the incident;

  • the name and job of the injured or ill person;

  • details of the injury/illness and what first aid was given;

  • details about what happened to the person immediately afterwards (e.g. went back to work, went home, went to hospital); and

  • The name and signature of the first-aider or person dealing with the incident.

 

Who is responsible for keeping the records?
It is usually the first-aider or appointed person who looks after the accident book. However, employers have overall responsibility.

 

Where can I get more help with my First Aid?

DutyMet would be delighted to give you help and advice regarding your First Aid arrangements and First Aid Training. Contact us today.

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